Court told former KDF soldier doubted paternity of children, sought DNA test

Murder suspect Major Peter Mugure. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

A friend to the late Joyce Syombua who was killed alongside her two children in Nanyuki told a Nyeri court that a DNA test had revealed Peter Mugure was their biological father.

Testifying before Justice Martin Muya, Farrizanah Syombua said the test carried out in 2019 at the Government Chemist indicated Major Peter Mugure had sired the kids.

Mugure is alleged to have killed Joyce Syombua, her 10-year-old daughter Shanice Maua and son Prince Michael, 5, who were found buried at Kilimo Indians’ cemetery in Thingithu area in Nanyuki town.

Syombua and her children went missing on October 26. In her testimony yesterday, Farrizanah said the relationship between Joyce and the accused was an on-and-off affair, with the army man claiming chances were 50/50 of being the father of Shanice. He had denied fathering Michael.

It is on this account that, according to the witness, Joyce filed a suit the Milimani court in 2008 seeking child support from the accused person who had allegedly neglected them.

“She came to my house and informed me she was going to seek help from the Children's court because Mugure was not helping them,” the witness added.

Farrizanah claimed Syombua whom she had known for more than 20 years used to confide in her that Mugure was always doubtful of the children's parentage. 

“Results showed he was 99.9 per cent the biological father. The court ordered he starts supporting them,” the witness who was being cross-examined by lawyer George Gori for the accused, said. Hearing continue on November 8,9,10.